Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Mount Prospect, IL
Expert Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth received their name because for many people, they’re a sign of entrance into adulthood. Developing between 16 and 24 years old, these third molars used to be necessary in our Paleolithic ancestors’ day-to-day lives, allowing them to eat tough meats, hard nuts, and so much more that we don’t eat today. Most people have outgrown the helpfulness of wisdom teeth. In fact, they often cause more problems than they’re worth, which is why most dentists recommend that patients have them removed. If you're dealing with problems related to your third molars, contact Epic Periodontics & Implant Center to discuss how wisdom tooth extractions in Mount Prospect could be just what you need.
Why Choose Epic Periodontics & Implant Center for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Board-Certified Periodontist with Over a Decade of Experience
- Dental Insurance Accepted & Maximized
- Custom-Tailored Dental Care for Every Patient
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars, are the last permanent teeth that grow in at the back of the mouth, typically between 16 and 24 years old. While some people never develop any wisdom teeth, others may develop one, two, three, or four of them. Today, most people have them extracted at an early age to prevent future oral health and orthodontic issues from developing, but some are able to allow theirs to erupt naturally because they pose no threat to their mouth.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed, but we often recommend that they are in the following situations:
- There isn’t enough room in your mouth to allow them to grow in without causing orthodontic issues like crowding and misalignment.
- You’re experiencing pain and discomfort related to wisdom tooth eruption.
- They’re only partially erupted, making them hard to clean and leading to a greater risk of decay and gum disease.
- They become impacted below the gumline and can’t grow into the mouth, risking infection.
- The wisdom teeth in the upper back jaw are placing pressure on your sinuses.
- They’re causing your gums to swell or jaw pain.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
Dr. Khan will examine diagnostic images of your mouth and jaw structure to determine whether you’ll require a surgical or simple extraction of your wisdom teeth. Before moving forward with any treatment, she’ll brief you on what to expect throughout the process and aftercare, including whether you’ll need to be prepared to have a trusted friend or family member ready to pick you up from our office if you require sedation.
If your wisdom teeth have erupted through the gumline, Dr. Khan can gently shift them free of connective tissues and slowly elevate them out of the mouth. However, if they are impacted below the gumline, she’ll need to first make a small incision before removing the wisdom teeth. In some cases, it’s necessary for us to separate the wisdom teeth into smaller pieces in order to take them out of the mouth safely.
Recovering from Wisdom Tooth Extraction
At your consultation, our team will provide you a detailed outline of aftercare instructions so you can purchase soft foods and any other supplies you’ll need to help make you more comfortable beforehand. If you have any questions throughout your healing process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Keep in mind that some swelling, pain, and bleeding is to be expected, but if you notice these get worse with time instead of better, call our office immediately.
In general, we recommend that all of our patients follow these instructions:
- You can resume normal routines the day following your surgery if you aren’t on pain medications that could restrict certain activities.
- Do not drink through a straw or eat hard or crunchy foods following your extraction.
- Do not smoke, use tobacco products, or drink alcohol as your extraction sites are healing.
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water to cleanse the extraction sites, but don’t spit when you rinse. Instead, tip your mouth over the sink.
- Take all prescriptions as directed.
- Maintain a soft food diet and avoid eating hot, spicy, crunchy, and hard foods.